Self-compacting concrete (SCC) is an innovative concrete that has helped in overcoming challenges associated with vibrated concrete such as congested reinforcements, noise from vibrators, and cost of hiring vibrators. This research examined the bond strength between partially replaced Self Compacting Palm Kernel Shell (SCPKS) concrete and high yield reinforcing bars wherein the granite content of the concrete was replaced by 50% of palm kernel shell (total replacement disintegrated on removal of mould). SCPKS concrete specimens of mix ratios 1:2:4, 1:1.5:3 and 1:1:2 were produced and cured for 7 days, 21 days and 28 days at water to cement ratio (w/c) of 0.5 and 0.6 respectively. Flow, bond strength, and flexural tests were conducted on the samples. The highest bond strength was recorded for mix ratio 1:1:2 at w/c of 0.5 when tested at 28 days with a value of 5.56 N/mm2. This value is 0.072% higher than the 28th day strength of 5.52 N/mm2 for SCC without replacement of the granite content. Also, the highest flexural strength was recorded for mix ratio 1:1:2 at w/c of 0.5 when tested at 28 days with a value of 6.88 N/mm2. It was concluded that palm kernel shell can be safely used for partial replacement in SCC.
The durability of a building is determined to a great extent by the quality of materials used in its construction. Sandcrete block is a major building material in Nigeria. This research assessed the quality of blocks produced in Adeta, Ilorin West Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria. Eight block factories were selected from the study area and the quality of their blocks were measured for their water absorption ratios and compressive strengths and compared with the Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS) specifications. Six samples each of size 450mm x 225mm x 225mm per factory were tested. Experimental findings revealed that the absorption rate of the sandcrete blocks were higher than the 12% specification. The compressive strengths of the blocks which ranges from 0.19N/mm 2 to 0.40N/mm 2 fall below the minimum specification of 2.5N/mm 2 . Inadequate mix ratio is a factor that resulted in the poor quality sandcrete blocks produced in the area.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.